A Wink And A Smile: 2-Part Choral Octavo

Steve Zegree's arrangement captures the warmth and sophistication of Connick's recording while crafting something eminently singable for developing choirs. The 2-part voicing preserves the melodic charm of the original without sacrificing the jazz sensibility that makes this tune genuinely musical to perform.

Warm, unpretentious, and genuinely romantic without ever becoming sentimental. The tune has an easy sophistication that invites singers to think about phrasing and expression rather than technical display.

This arrangement works beautifully for mixed choirs, treble ensembles, or any 2-part group seeking accessible material with real musical character. Directors wanting to introduce their singers to jazz vocabulary and contemporary standards will find this both approachable and rewarding.

• Shape the phrases with gentle rubato rather than metronomic precision; the lyrical quality depends on singers who can breathe naturally and follow the contour of the line
• Balance the two parts so neither overwhelms the other, especially in moments where harmonies converge; this builds independence while maintaining blend
• Attend carefully to any syncopated rhythms in the accompaniment or vocal parts; jazz phrasing requires clarity about what's on and off the beat

This sits comfortably on a concert that mixes classical and contemporary repertoire, or use it as a standalone set piece to showcase your ensemble's stylistic range. Its familiar melody and accessible range make it ideal for spring concerts or pops programs where you want genuine musicality alongside crowd appeal.

• Jazz phrasing and rhythmic flexibility
• Balancing two independent vocal lines
• Interpreting lyrical, song-like material with expressive control
• Handling syncopation and off-beat rhythms in context